Another Rebirth for Paul's Haircutters

Paul's Haircutters is on the move.

Owner Paul Provenzano Jr. is moving north into a bigger shop near Bill's Drive In in Monroe. He'll be in Trumbull until Saturday and re-open in Monroe on Monday.

Paul's story begins in his father's shop when he was 12. He opened his own shop in 1957 on Main Street in Bridgeport where he stayed until about 2000, when he moved to Trumbull.

Thursday was business as usual, except for the impending move.

"See you at the new place," was the mantra as customers walked out of the store.

Nancy Crone Bowden said, "They are really good so my family will follow them wherever they go!"

After more than 55 years in the business, Provenzano can't estimate how many regulars he has. His client list includes people of all stations, including Bishop William Lori.

Republican Town Committee Chairman Jack Testani has also been a loyal customer, and said he was sorry to see it go.

Added Economic Development Director Deborah Cox, "It always disappointing for any business to choose to leave."

First Selectman Tim Herbst, another customer, also praised Provenzano for his political savviness.

"Paul's a good friend. He's got a good facility. I'll be following him. He's the best," Herbst said.

"He predicted the margin I was going to get elected by. He predicted I would by 1,300 votes. I won by 1,342," Herbst said.

"He says I'm in good shape," added the first selectman, who is running for re-election this November.

Provenzano has three barbers, and his granddauughter will be styling hair in her own section of the new shop.

With the help of his staff, Provenzano, a Trumbull resident, has raised money for many causes, most recently for Trumbull Police Officer Michael Gonzalez and the family of Officer Jay Leos. Gonzalez donated more than half of his liver to Leos' daughter, Kyleigh, to save her from liver failure due to an illness. She needed a liver transplant.

He has also raised money for the families of two Bridgeport firefighters who died in the line of duty in July 2010.